Journée des Peintres d'Arreau
Open-air painting competition in the village of Arreau
About Journée des Peintres
The Journée des Peintres d'Arreau is an annual open-air painting competition held in late July in the picturesque village of Arreau, at the confluence of the Aure and Louron valleys in the Hautes-Pyrénées. Amateur and experienced artists are invited to paint the remarkable sites of the valley throughout the day. Two categories are awarded ('experienced' and 'amateur') by a jury, and the public also awards two prizes. The day concludes with an awards ceremony followed by a friendly reception.
Travel to this festival
Book your train or bus to reach Journée des Peintres at the best price.
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A competition in the heart of the Pyrenees
The Journée des Peintres d'Arreau invites painters every summer to paint outdoors the remarkable landscapes and heritage of the Pays d'Arreau. Classified among the Most Beautiful Detours in France, the village offers an exceptional setting for inspiration with its half-timbered houses, medieval bridges, fountains, and the Pyrenean peaks in the background.
Course of the day
From 8 am, painters register and have their canvases stamped at the Arreau Tourist Office. They then have the whole day to create their artwork outdoors, in the village or in the surrounding communes of Camous and Ilhet. The theme is generally free but always related to the heritage of the valley.
Two categories and a public prize
At the end of the day, a jury deliberates and awards the best works in two categories: 'Experienced' and 'Amateur'. The public also participates by voting for their two favorite works, thus awarding a public prize. The awards ceremony is followed by a friendly reception.
Journée des Peintres — edition 2026
The Journée des Peintres 2026 returns to Arreau for an open-air painting competition with two categories and a public prize.
Journée des Peintres 2026
Join us on Sunday, July 26, 2026 in Arreau for the new edition of the Journée des Peintres. Open-air competition, experienced and amateur categories, public prize, and reception.
Prices Journée des Peintres 2026
Practical information — Journée des Peintres
Access
Arreau is located south of the Hautes-Pyrénées, at the confluence of the Aure and Louron valleys.
- By car: From Tarbes, take the D929 towards Lannemezan then Arreau (approx. 1 hour).
Registration
Registration and canvas stamping from 8 am at the Arreau Tourist Office.
Contact
- Arreau Tourist Office: 05 62 98 63 15
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Travel to this festival
Book your train or bus to reach Journée des Peintres at the best price.
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Where does it take place — Journée des Peintres
Village d'Arreau
Place du Village, 65240 Arreau